Why Foldable Pushchair Is More Risky Than You Thought

Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair is the perfect solution for holidays or quick excursions. They tend to be lightweight and are suitable for babies as young as four years old. They come with large wheels and a great basket.

They get their name from the way they fold in a manner that's a lot like an umbrella. Some models fold with one hand, which is effortless, while others require more involvement or two hands.

Folding is easy

The way pushchairs are folded can be an important factor when buying one. It will determine how easy to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, while others are more concerned with speed or ease of use. Look for a pushchair with the scissor or concertina fold if you are looking for a pushchair that is easy to fold. These are renowned for their ability to fold flat and are perfect for those who plan to use public transport or traveling with your baby.

These types of pushchairs typically include a seat with a view of both the parent and the child (for bonding, reassurance, and to allow them to explore the world around them). They are usually suitable for babies up to 6 months. Some also come with an acceptable recline (although not as flat as an infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories such as buggie bags seats, seat liners, and moses baskets/pram for newborn sheets that are fitted.

Apart from the ease of folding it is important to consider other aspects to take into consideration when choosing a buggy such as whether or not the fabric is machine washable, and whether it comes with wheels that can be released quickly. Quick-release wheels are important because it means that you can easily clean off any wet or dried mud.

Some pushchairs come with a scissor fold, which is when the whole buggy folds in half, like a pair of scissors, and then folds down into a rectangular shape. This type of pushchair can be the most simple to unfold because you just need to lift the handle, then close the seat. It can be difficult to store and might not fit into smaller car boot sizes.

There are also pushchairs, for instance concertina that fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs are compact when folded, however they can be difficult to maneuver and require two arms. They can also be difficult to store since they have a long rectangular shape when closed position. They are however, light and often small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They make a great option for families who travel.

Lightweight

The selection of pushchairs available is huge and finding the right one for you can be a challenge. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of folding you select will affect the ease of move and store the pushchair.

Choosing a light pushchair can make all the difference for those who have limited storage space at home. There are many different types of pushchairs, ranging from compact umbrella-folds that fold down to multi-functional travel systems that include carrycots as well as adapters for car seats. Some of them can be used as early as birth with baby carrycots, however it is crucial to confirm the lie flat specifications of any model intended to be used with a newborn.

An umbrella-folding pushchair (link) is a simple and convenient option that takes up very small space. These types of pushchairs derive their name from the fact that they fold down similar to an umbrella, which enables them to fit perfectly lengthways into a variety of storage and boot space. They're typically extremely lightweight, and a majority of models include an umbrella cover to shield your child from the elements.

A concertina-style pushchair is another option that folds into three or more parts, with the frame and seat over each other, before collapsing into itself. These are usually the smallest and easiest to store, however they require both hands to open and close.

A majority of pushchairs come with a footmuff and a reversible seat liner (and washable), an adjustable carry strap, and a secure pouch attached to the hood. These features will ensure that your child stays dry, warm and comfortable in the colder winter months. Some brands include these in the form of a bundle, while others sell them separately.

Verify that the fabric of the pushchair can be washed by machine. This will make cleaning easier and faster. Additionally it is crucial to check regularly if that the brakes are functioning properly and if there is any dirt on the wheels, remove it with a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

You may want to consider a pushchair that can be folded down into a compact shape in case you intend to use it on public transport or take it on holiday. This type of pushchair can be light to lift and easy to store in a boot or in a small car.

A variety of folding pushchairs are available for you to select from and the way they fold varies from one brand to the next. Some focus on speed and ease of use, while others offer a smaller or a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a perfect example of this, as it does doesn't just fold down, but also folds inwards. This makes the buggy a neat square bag that fits in many hand luggage compartments.

There are two types of brakes for pushchairs: foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. The most popular brakes are foot brakes that work by pressing one pedal to secure both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are always moving around but have to slow down or stop often. Handle brakes are found on three-wheeled pushchairs as well as jogger style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to change the speed of a run, for example. City pushchairs usually have combination brakes, which combine a foot brake with an adjustable lever that activates the opposite brake for maximum control.

Depending on your baby's age, you may wish to choose a stroller newborn that offers a lie-flat seat or is travel system compatible so you can attach a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can be folded very quickly with the carrycot left on the frame, or the lightweight carrycot that is simply pulled flat onto the frame can be used.

It's worth looking up the website of the airline to ensure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the carry-on baggage allowance. It's also important to determine whether the pushchair will fit through a standard doorway, and that it is able to be lifted up and down the stairs of an airport. It is recommended to bring a raincover with you if you intend to use your stroller on vacation to shield it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who travel frequently. They fold easily, and they take up a small amount of space in the boot of your car. They are also ideal for holidays and public transport. Some models are even suitable to be used with a car seat.

Some models are so compact that they fold almost flat. They're perfect when you don't have lots of storage space at home, or in your car boot, but they could be heavier to carry than buggies that are larger.

Additionally, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, also known as concertina 3D, fold-in-half or fold-in-half designs. These are less cumbersome to carry, but require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite long when they are folded, making them suitable for vehicles with smaller dimensions.

Others fold in a scissor fashion in which the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy, and the frame is collapsed into a flat, square-ish shape. They're easy and quick to fold and can be used on public transport. However, the resulting long rectangular shape might not fit in smaller car boots.

Many pushchairs are available with a sun canopy, typically made from SPF fabric to shield your child from sun. Some brands include this in the price, while other brands sell it as an accessory. The best options have an hood that is removable to allow you to wash it in the event that you need to. Make sure you have a footmuff too, as they are perfect for colder weather and can keep babies toasty.

The majority of pushchairs can be cleaned down using a damp cloth. However, certain fabrics cannot be machine washed and should be checked by the instructions of the manufacturer. If you have mud on your wheels, use a pressure washer or hose to clean it off. If this doesn't work, you can try a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair is left in a damp, wet or mouldy state for too long, it may cause damage to the fabric, and even cause mildew and rot. If this happens, first brush off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse the area as directed.